Cross Erected by Students, Statue of Jesus Survive Southern California Wildfire (PHOTO)

By Jared Freeman, Friday, January 17, 2014

This week, an illegal campfire set the Angeles National Forest ablaze near Los Angeles, charring 1,700 acres of the drought-stricken wildnerness and burning down several homes. The wildfire forced 3,700 people to evacuate, and three minor injuries from the fire have been reported so far. While firefighters have halted the fire's progress toward homes, only 30% of it has been contained. Three men in their 20s were arrested Thursday on suspicion of starting the illicit fire.

Among the damaged properties is the former summer estate of the Singer sewing machine family. While two guest units were destroyed, the estate's chapel and statues of Jesus and Mary were unburned. Owner Jeania Parayno called it a "miracle."

And Reddit user BubbleBlowingBuddy posted this update and photo about the unlikely survival of a cross the Christian club at his school had erected.

"A few months ago, our club put up a cross in Glendora, California. Although people have defaced it, my club and I have continued to renew it. Many of us were surprised to see it still standing, despite recent fires. ... God is so good, and I am blessed to see Him work throughout our lives. If you could, please pray for safety and protection, as the fire continues to burn homes and land."

So while there are signs of hope amidst this disaster, pray for the firefighters, the people and the land facing the wildfire, and for a swift resolution to the crisis.